Whereas the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is responsible for maintaining a network of rest areas and roadside stops along highways that include public amenities such as washrooms and waste receptacles; And whereas increased travel and tourism throughout the Province of BC has led to those rest areas and roadside stops, many without such services and facilities, being inundated with litter and general waste that pollutes adjacent forests, beaches and waters; And whereas the current maintenance program of the Ministry is insufficient to adequately deal with the level of use being experienced at these facilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to expand its maintenance program for highway rest areas and roadside stops to ensure that such facilities are kept clean, tidy and sanitary for the travelling public.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The ministry understands the importance of rest areas for travelers including truck drivers and tourists. Providing clean facilities and safe places for drivers to rest is our priority. The ministrys maintenance contractors are required to monitor and maintain rest areas across the Province. Rest area maintenance standards were increased in 201819 as part of the latest procurement round of maintenance contracts. This included a higher frequency of inspecting and cleaning across all rest areas. The ministry is in the process of updating its Rest Areas Master Plan which will include a review of all aspects of the rest area network including maintenance.